While cleaning out my dad’s attic, I came across something incredible — an original British Army manual belonging to my Great Uncle Joe called Methods of Unarmed Attack and Defence, issued in June 1917 during WW1. This wasn’t just a random book… it was an official hand-to-hand combat training manual used to prepare soldiers for close quarters combat during trench warfare. Inside are illustrated techniques covering: Striking Wrestling and grappling Defences against weapons Restraints and controls Close combat drills Even using a steel helmet as a weapon What’s really interesting is how familiar some of the movements still look today. You can see early influences of boxing, wrestling, military combatives, and even old jiu-jitsu concepts that would later shape modern self-defence systems. As someone passionate about martial arts, combat systems, and the history behind them, it’s amazing holding a piece of history like this and realising soldiers were learning structured unarmed combat over 100 years ago. It makes you appreciate how martial arts continue to evolve, while still being connected to the past.

I’ve just shared a video featuring my old Grandmaster, Abner Pasa — founder of Warriors Eskrima and Balitok Eskrima. What makes this one personal for me is that I trained on that exact same beach. Same ground. Same environment. Same lineage. This footage isn’t about flashy techniques. It’s about how knowledge is passed on — through people, shared space, repetition, and community. It’s a reminder that Eskrima (and martial arts in general) isn’t something you just download. You absorb it by training alongside others who are walking the same path. This is exactly why this community exists. Watch the video, and pay attention not just to what is being done — but how it’s being expressed. https://youtu.be/rU6y5o5fD_8?si=OQE7bv0xidF23V38

You’re trapped in a building. A horde of zombies is closing in. This table of antique weapons is all you’ve got. ⚔️ You can only pick ONE. There’s no right answer… Only survival 😈 👇 Drop your weapon choice in the comments and tell us WHY Bonus points if you explain your strategy (speed, power, range, intimidation, etc). Would love to see what everyone goes for!

I’ve just uploaded a brand new Knife Gunting course to the community. Gunting (meaning “to scissor”) focuses on intercepting and destroying your opponent’s attack as it comes in, using precise timing, live hand deflections, and blade positioning. This is an essential skill for developing control, awareness, and flow within knife work. This course is FREE for all members who have earned Level 2 in our community. Remember, you can earn points and level up by: ✅ Posting on the community ✅ Commenting on other members’ posts ✅ Liking and engaging with content If you’re Level 2 or above — jump in and start training 💪 If you’re not there yet — this is your motivation 👊 Let me know what you think of the course once you’ve gone through it!

🔥 New Training Post: Knife Tapping Drill with Joe 🔥 I’ve just uploaded a video of a knife tapping drill I worked on today with Joe, one of our local students. I’d love to see your training too!If you’re working on any drills—knife, stick, empty hands, bagwork, footwork, whatever... post a quick video in the Training category. Sharing your clips is a great way to: - 📈 Document your progress - 💬 Get encouragement and feedback from me - 🤝 Help our whole community level up together Don’t worry about looking perfect, this is all about improving, staying consistent, and supporting each other. Let’s grow together. 💪🔥